IT’S just as well for reigning champions Neath that titles are not won in September, writes Tony Poole.

At the moment the Blacks are struggling, following the company registration issue with the WRU and action from the Ospreys.

At the 11th hour, the region prevented Wales prop Duncan Jones and Wales Under-20 wing Kristian Phillips pulling on Neath shirts. But a side already down to bare bones behind the scrum showed character aplenty to overcome these issues.

“In the end it was a case of typical Neath values pulling us through against a side that treated the game as a cup final,” said Neath head coach Patrick Horgan.

But Tonmawr, who shipped 83 points at Llanelli the previous week, were delighted to pick up a bonus point.

“I was proud of the way we played and we are continuing to go in the right direction,” said Tonmawr coach Jason Hyatt.